I’ve been having a bit of a restless spirit recently and no motivation to write some longer reviews. Also? I’ve been a reading machine lately (for ME) and the books to talk about have been piling up. So (non-spoilery) mini book talk time!! YAYS?

Girl Defective by Simmone Howell

Genre: Contemporary YA, Date Published: September 2, 2014Goodreads// Amazon
* I received for review consideration from the publisher.

I LOVED this novel. There was just something so magical about it even though it was an “ordinary life” kind of story…if that makes sense? Another win for the Aussie YA authors for me! SO MUCH HEART in this book and I loved the quirkiness of the characters and just how CHARMING it was. My heart ached for Skylark’s broken little family and seriously loved that storyline so much — her dad who is a functioning alcoholic, her mom who abandoned them and her little brother who I’m pretty sure is supposed to have Asperger’s (I say this as someone who used to work with kids with it). And Skylark…her voice is endearing and I loved her so much. I loved her growth in the span of this novel! One thing I really loved is how ALIVE everything in this book felt — the record shop that her dad owned even when it was always half deserted, the music, the adventures Skylark and Gully had through the streets of her town as they chased their mystery they wanted to uncover. Girl Defective was a quiet gem about a girl trying to find her place in the world that tugged at my heart and made me smile right until the moment I closed its pages.

RATING:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

So I FINALLY read this one! FINALLY. I got scared of the hype, man! But I had been lucky enough to stay spoiler free so THAT was great. I only knew that it was twisted and crazy and lots of opinions of love AND hate for the end. And WELL it was definitely as twisty and messed up as everyone said. It took me a little bit to get completely absorbed in this crazy story but once I was it was just this maddening, furious reading experience. I loved how it all unraveled. I’ll say I completely guessed the big THING but it didn’t put a damper on the reading experience at ALL because I never knew what kind of shenanigans were going to be thrown out after that. I hated almost every character (except Go and the one police officer)…and I’m certain that was intended. I did NOT expect the ending. I’ll say that. I totally pictured it ending different but I will say I thought the ending was very fitting and I liked it. *shivers* MAN, this book was all sorts of messed up but I enjoyed this thrilling ride. Time to read or watch super happy and uncomplicated things next!!

RATING:

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

I was so pleasantly surprised by this one. It hadn’t stood out to me when I got it for review but Stephanie Perkins recommended it at her event that was near me so I picked it up. It’s a standalone fantasy novel and, even though I am SO series weary, I was honestly wishing it was a series because I genuinely enjoyed the characters and would love to see more of this world because the magic element and the royal blood line is something I’m sure could be explored more. The world-building was sparse but well set up– it’s a fictional land but it’s very much like our world and honestly the setting reminded me of London in a way and there is magic amongst the “real” world. I loved Jessamin — she’s so smart, sassy and easy to root for as she’s away from the underprivileged island she grew up on and is trying to go to school here where she’s an outcast basically. The romance between Jessamin and Finn is so cute and I LOVED their banter. Their predicament and taking down the baddie made me tear through this book! If you are looking for a standalone YA fantasy that isn’t too terribly long, I absolutely recommend!

RATING:

Have you read any of these books? Whatta think if you have? I’d love to hear your perspective! If you haven’t, do they look like something you would be into?